The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1887-07-23
The Death Troth.
ny ALICE DALE.


"Ainslje, want tQ have tall. with you
come and smoke" said Nilffld Dcnyer, "a
young, fair-haired lieutenant Of the AID
Regiment Of the Highland Brigade
Captain Ainslie was his spniog by some
years; but Wilfrid had gained his friend
ship entirely, for, in spite of their different
temperaments, the elder man was singular
ly attracted by the yonnger's gayety and
affeciiongte deyoti9n,
lie yielded to bis request. The pipes
were lit. and soon they passed from lighter
topics to one of deeper interest, when vii
frid told a story to his friend of romantic
first love. which hGq made OF his hard life
in the Crimsa q tender sweet idsl.
Ainslie heard ti.is narration with grave
attention. Some of the lovers enthusiastic
remarks en- tbe object Of his Rassien might
have provoked smile from the other, but
the lieutepant's altachpept ~ss so Geauine,
so outspoken, that it only deeply touched
him With its pathos; AL the more, perhaps,
because of the danger which awaited them,
and on the morrow bgttle was imminent.
Ainslie was silent, regarding the lads
flushed, animated face with sad express
sion on his own grave features, for he real
lied that ere the setting of the next days
sun his eQppanion night be lying coldly
rigid OH the field of battle.
''You haye not told ne her NAME" said
Ainslie.
at is Constance
And your marrlage--is the day fxed2''
mo snch luckW calculated Wilfrld.
I'VE should have to wait for some years
for my promotion. But" cGntinned lie,
with an embarrassed laugh, sit is rather
premature to talk of 3 wedding when my
fate is not yet decided. ! think she loves
me, though never asked her the question
until came TO the Crimea."
"Oh, you are not engaged?'
mo. / expect to get her letter to-mor-
row--the letter which will tell me all.
Ainslie, If IL comes too late, will you lay
1t unopened upon my breast, and bury it
with me?"
The captain turned his dark eyes affec-
'iOnately 81 bis c0mrade's face as be re-
sponded!
If 1t comes 70 that, yes; but. old fellow,
don't be down in the mouth; hope for bet,
Ter things"
The battle was over. The carnage, the
awful slaughter, the force struggle of man
to man was passed. and all that remained
on the heights OF Alma to mark the track
of OF red-handed war were ghastly mounds
Of crushed human beings and horses
mingled in cory confusion.
A victory was gained for England; but
at what eostl our gallant soldiers had
encountered the enemy. With Nndaunted
bravery they had swept forward, while be-
fore their fixed bayonets the Russlsps fell
like autumn leaves. But many noble
heart was that day hushed forever, and
womea's tears we're shed in vain for those
who might return to them neyermore.
While unavailing sorrow was in his heart
Paul Ainslle gazed on the scene, for hi:
errand there was a sad one. He cane Il
seek among the slain the body of his friend
who had fallen.
He found the still form. he lookeC
down on the face last seen 50 bright will
life, and the tesrs gathered slowly in hi
dark eyes.
He held an uRepsned letter which hat
just reached the camp. 1t was addresse,
to Lieutenant Denver, in a womsn's writ
ing.
Perchance it contained the words Of 10y
which had been so eagerly desired yester
day. And now he to whom those vow
were sent lay there as impassiye to them a
the cold earth beneath bin. And, OH, I
think of her} that fair girl, who had bu
yielded her heart TO haYe il broken by he
ll0ye's untlmely deathl
With deep sigh, Paul laid the letter o
the young officers breast; and thus, wit
his beloved words close 10 the pulseles
heart, Wilfrid Denver was laid to rest |
his rude grave.
Five years after the CrimeAn war is eve